Chapter 51 Teaching Xiao Techniques It seems my return is ill-timed…
Inside Yixiantai, Zhenglu is playing "Partridge Flying." The smooth sound of the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute) travels through the forest, parting the thin morning mist. Among them is a long tremolo melody that depicts the partridge's soaring posture, sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes high, sometimes low.
Zheng Lü truly lived up to his reputation as the one-in-a-million heir of the Chuanshi Pavilion. His control over his breath had reached a level of perfection. The music flowed freely under his fingers, with lingering notes that seemed to never end.
Shen Zizhan arrived gracefully amidst the music. Even though there were no outsiders present, he remained steadfast in his etiquette, never slacking off in the slightest.
"Your humble servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Lord Shen, please excuse the formalities and take a seat."
Jin Tong brought over a pear wood crescent stool, and removed the agate wine from the coral table, replacing it with a tea set.
It seems that the heavens have a special fondness for handsome men. Every time Shen Zizhan arrives, dark clouds slowly roll up like a scroll, and the sun shines brightly on the earth again, bringing a clear and sunny scene.
Chu Yueyuan opened the green pomelo tea canister and smiled, "It's been drizzling for the past few days, and the tea I brought from the capital has gotten damp. It'll have to do with this. Lord Shen, you've arrived half an hour earlier than usual today. Is there something you need?"
Shen Zizhan took out the official seal of the Maritime Trade Commissioner and presented it with both hands: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the matters at the market have been settled. Please return the remaining details to Lord Sun for disposal."
Chu Yueyuan did not press for the reason. She told Jin Tong to put away the official seal: "I heard that Minister Shen has been very busy these days. He has to deal with the officials of the Sihangtai and unify the currency, money shops and weighing instruments of the two countries in the border market. Don't you think it's a pity to give up the first credit like this?"
Shen Zizhan took the initiative to brew the tea. He put the tea cake into the tea grinder, and with his long, slender hands, he held both ends of the roller and ground it, making a clattering grinding sound.
His clear, gentle voice, accompanied by the aroma of tea, said: "The treaty between the two countries was originally drafted by Lord Sun. I was merely temporarily taking over his duties during his illness and following the rules. I dare not claim any credit."
Chu Yueyuan slowly fanned herself with a peony fan, the gold threads on the fan reflecting shimmering light in the sunlight, floating on the woman's fair profile.
She smiled and said, "Shen Qing did a good job and is very modest. No wonder Princess Fengni was willing to dismiss the other men around you and only ask for one person, one task, and one partner."
Shen Zizhan felt his ears burning from her teasing words and coughed lightly: "This humble subject should thank Your Highness for politely declining the King of Feng on my behalf."
The reason he rushed over was that he heard that the King of Feng wanted to recruit him as his consort. Although he was convinced that Chu Yueyuan would not agree to this, he was afraid that she would damage the harmony in the process and worried that she would not be able to deal with the worldly-wise King of Feng and the Grand Tutor You. He wanted to help her out of the predicament.
After encountering the King of Feng and the Grand Tutor You on the road, he realized that she had not only helped him out of trouble, but had done a very good job.
Shen Zizhan gazed at the woman sitting by the window. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice and fell on her black hair, which was tied up. Her eyebrows and eyes were serene, and her smile was like a painting, just like a beautifully carved jade disc.
It is no longer the unpolished jade it once was.
He still remembered the woman's appearance when she walked out from behind the screen: her black hair was disheveled, her eyes were blurry with tears, she was beautiful yet frail, pitiful and endearing, making him want to protect her.
She no longer needs his protection.
A sense of loss and loneliness washed over Shen Zizhan. He suddenly realized that the beautiful jade before him had already been perfectly sculpted by others, its brilliance shining within. If he, the latecomer, were to wield the knife again, he would only leave flaws.
Chu Yueyuan did not notice the desolation in the man's eyes. She smiled slightly and said, "Shen Qing is a pillar of the state, and of course I cannot hand you over to him. Lord Sun's leg injury has almost healed. Starting tomorrow, let him take over the remaining affairs so you can hide away for a while... Alas, I will have to listen to Lord Sun's advice every day again."
She used the peony fan in her hand as a ceremonial tablet, imitating Lord Sun's methodical recitation: "Night after night, the Jade Terrace revels in song and dance, dragons and phoenixes are overturned, and the common people suffer..."
Shen Zizhan was amused by her mischievous appearance.
The woman changed; she became confident and strong, and no longer needed his support.
He met her when she was still a nobody, yet he never saw her wallow in self-pity. She was both a resilient and unyielding morning glory, twining upwards, and a diligent lady with innate grace, gracefully flying onto a jade hairpin.
Chu Yueyuan turned her head and looked out the window at the rare clear weather. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she said softly, "The rain in Linchao City has finally stopped, but I wonder what the weather is like over at Gaotan Mountain?"
Mount Gaotan stretches across the border between Xixia and Canglang, with the vast and fertile Tianju Camp grassland at its foot. This rich pasture was once part of the Great Qi territory a century ago, but over the long years, it was gradually encroached upon by the Canglang tribe.
The Gaotan Mountains stretch for hundreds of miles and are also known as the Valley of Death by the Xixia people. It is said that although there is no fog in the valley, the weather is unpredictable. One moment it is sunny and clear, and the next moment it may be pouring rain. Those who enter the valley have a very low chance of dying.
Pei Muwei selected five thousand guards who were all outstanding, but crossing Death Valley was no easy task.
In fact, men in high positions do not need to risk their lives. As long as they succeed, literary figures will naturally embellish their achievements.
However, in order to control the overall situation and boost morale, he still went along.
Chu Yueyuan thought that men were born emperors, and that if he personally took back the lost homeland of the Great Qi, it would be a slap in the face to those royalists in the court.
Once he succeeds, he will be the popular choice, and there will be no obstacles on his path to the throne.
What if we fail despite our efforts?
During their westward journey, Chu Yueyuan often rested in the carriage at midday. Once, in a half-dreaming state, she overheard Pei Muwei giving instructions to Lin Mu, in which he vaguely mentioned where she and Xiao Yun would be placed.
If they fail, she and Xiao Yun will likely be escorted by Lin Mu to Beiting, where they will live out their lives in anonymity.
This was the day Chu Yueyuan had been looking forward to, but she didn't want the man to fail.
It wasn't that she cared about the common people or was patriotic; she simply didn't want him to fail.
Shen Zizhan saw worry in the woman's clear, dark eyes. He knew why she was worried, and even though he felt a sense of loss, he still wanted to comfort her.
The water in the tea kettle boiled, and Shen Zizhan sprinkled a small spoonful of fine salt and tea powder into the boiling water, instantly calming the bubbling water.
His voice was equally calm, yet it exuded a reassuring power:
"I have been gathering information at the border market these past few days and have seen smoke and dust rising from the back of Gaotan Mountain. It is said that the Khan of the Canglang tribe has been assassinated and several princes are fighting each other for the Khan's throne. They have also been withdrawing their elite cavalry from the front lines back to the main camp."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yueyuan's eyes lit up.
The death of the Great Khan of the Azure Wolf was most likely the work of Pei Muwei. With the princes busy fighting amongst themselves, once the pressure on the border is relieved, he can easily extricate himself.
It's obvious that he succeeded.
The water in the tea kettle boiled again, and Shen Zizhan added another spoonful of tea foam, then scooped out the boiling water and set it aside.
The man's movements were fluid and elegant, a pleasure to behold.
The water boiled for the third time. Shen Zizhan poured the spoonful of water he had just scooped into the teapot and boiled it again. Instantly, the aroma of tea filled the air, refreshing and delightful.
He handed the teacup he had poured to Chu Yueyuan and said gently, "Your Highness, please have a taste."
Chu Yueyuan took a small sip of the tea, which had been brewed by Shen Zizhan himself. The tea soup was clear and smooth, with a slight bitterness at first, which quickly turned into sweetness and left a long aftertaste.
In fact, Chu Yueyuan's tea-brewing skills were not bad either. After all, she had worked hard to study and improve her skills in order to outshine Chu Wanxi at the tea-tasting banquet.
But lately she's been feeling restless and can't calm down enough to brew tea.
"Lord Shen's miraculous healing skills have saved the damp tea cakes here."
The woman had bright, clear eyes. She held a palace fan in one hand and her long, black hair swayed gracefully like willow branches as she fell from her hair. She smiled gently and said, "Lord Shen, you always manage to help me out of trouble when I need you most."
Shen Zizhan stared at the dimples on her lips, his amber eyes brimming with light.
The thoughts lurking in one's heart are the most vulnerable to being hooked; even a smile or a casual remark can trigger a familiar tone of voice.
They would all make him willingly take the bait.
Chu Yueyuan was looking down at the remaining tea cakes in the tea jar when she suddenly felt a tightness in her wrist. She lifted her eyelids and met the man's clear amber eyes. The temperature in his eyes was even hotter than the sunlight outside the window.
"My loyalty to Your Highness will never change. If Your Highness requests anything, I will do my utmost, even unto death..."
Before Shen Zizhan could finish speaking, the woman's delicate white fingers pressed against his lips, her fingertips carrying a faint fragrance of tea that was enough to make one's heart flutter.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Chu Yueyuan's eyes flickered slightly, and she gently rebuked, "If Lord Shen wants to relieve my worries, then he should stop saying such things."
She understood Shen Zizhan's meaning: the Canglang tribe was completely finished, and by the time they returned to Daqi, the world of Daqi would soon change.
As for her future, it all depends on the new emperor's will.
On her journey westward, she was well aware of the man's feelings for her; living in a daze was merely another form of escapism.
It really proves the saying: "There's always trouble at a widow's door!"
Sometimes, this young widow would think of giving up entirely and simply opening the door to let the treacherous men in to have their way. Maybe after they'd had their fill, the men would realize that the pleasures of a young widow were nothing special.
But what if he doesn't get enough to eat?
It wasn't that Chu Yueyuan considered herself extraordinary; it was just that after spending a long time together, she understood the man's terrifying desire for control.
If the two were to have physical intimacy, she would become the woman of the future new emperor, and the man would never banish her from the palace. She would have no choice but to remain in the palace, bearing the infamy for all eternity.
As the ruler of a country, he would have countless women, but she was merely a novelty he craved to break through ethical and moral norms. Once the novelty wore off, she would be like the former Consort Pei, without family background or support.
The only thing she could rely on was the emperor's heart.
The heart of an emperor is more unpredictable than the weather in Death Valley, and more elusive than the clouds in the sky.
————
Ten days or so passed quickly, and Linchao City welcomed good weather. The sky was clear for miles, just like the rising sun, which was exactly as its name suggested.
Chu Yueyuan heard from Lin Mu that the man who had turned the Canglang tribe upside down was on his way back in secret. She heard that Princess Feng Qi was injured, so the journey would be delayed. In about seven or eight days, they would arrive at Linzhao City.
With good weather, good news, and things going smoothly at the market, even Lord Sun, who was usually full of worry, managed to show a rare smile.
With nothing to do every day, I always want to try something new.
Chu Yueyuan took a liking to Zheng Lü's flute.
She learned to play the zither from a young age and achieved some success, gaining a certain reputation in the capital. However, the reason she learned to play the zither back then was simply to compete with Chu Wanxi, who was praised by everyone.
Actually, she didn't like playing the piano; she was more interested in the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute).
The sound of the flute played by the zhenglu is melodious and graceful, ethereal and pure, with a unique sense of sorrow. It can be considered one of the best among the musicians of the Great Qi Dynasty.
Chu Yueyuan humbly sought Zheng Lü's advice on playing techniques, only to discover that Zheng Lü, who was extremely accomplished in music, was actually a mute with a disability.
“Although A-Lu cannot speak, he can express his thoughts with gestures. My brother and I are of one mind. If Your Majesty wishes to ask any questions, you may ask me to convey them.”
The resounding tone replaced the rhythmic cadence in response.
After a brief moment of surprise, Chu Yueyuan looked at the handsome Zheng Lu and smiled slightly, "Alright, then I'll trouble you to help me choose a suitable xiao (vertical flute)."
When the King of Feng heard that Chu Yueyuan wanted to learn the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute), he specially sent people to deliver dozens of xiao of different lengths and materials.
Yinluzai carefully selected a six-hole jade flute with dragon and phoenix patterns. He dared not look directly at Chu Yueyuan and gestured with his hands for a while.
Zheng Yin, standing to the side, explained: "A-Lu said that when the Queen is a beginner, her control over her breath will be unstable. The Jade Screen Flute has the thinnest inner diameter, and although its volume is small, its timbre is extremely delicate. It is easier to control with six holes."
Chu Yueyuan took the exquisite jade screen flute from Yinlu's hand and praised, "Master Zhenglu is indeed very thoughtful. I am a woman, so my breath is a bit weaker."
Yinlu lowered her head, her cheeks quickly turning red, like a green apple ripening.
Jin Tong approached carrying a plate of fresh fruit. Seeing Zheng Lu's flushed face, she couldn't help but feel a slight flutter in her heart. She patted her chest and muttered softly, "Goodness, weren't all the legendary heroes of Xixia supposed to be as experienced as thousand-year-old fox spirits? This one is quite different, like a green cucumber that hasn't yet formed a stem..."
Zheng Lu is shy by nature, but he is a serious and responsible teacher.
He chose a simple score and patiently guided Chu Yueyuan on the fingering, while Zhengyin relayed what he wanted to say.
Jin Tong watched from afar as two handsome men with almost identical appearances surrounded Chu Yueyuan. One was blushing and gesturing wildly, while the other was gazing at her tenderly and speaking softly. She couldn't help but envy how well the women of Xixia Kingdom ate!
As it turned out, Chu Yueyuan's talent in playing the xiao (a type of vertical flute) was on par with Meng Xun's talent in studying.
The mournful sound of the flute echoed in the courtyard, causing passing birds to flap their wings and dodge in time.
If the sound of the xiao played by Zheng Lü evokes sorrow, then the sound of the xiao played by Chu Yueyuan is heart-wrenching.
The apprentice was so stupid that even the mute master was about to speak.
Zheng Lu had no choice but to personally guide Chu Yueyuan, letting her concentrate on practicing her breathing techniques. He stood behind her, holding the xiao (a type of Chinese flute), and adjusted the positions of the finger holes according to her breathing, which made the abrupt and mournful music a little more melodious and gentle.
The jade screen flute is shorter than the ordinary flute, and Zheng Lü is tall. When he bent down, his arms around Chu Yueyuan were almost touching her shoulders.
The sound of the flute was beautiful, the trees were lush and green, and the flowers were in full bloom, creating a harmonious scene.
Until a menacing, dark shadow appeared, instantly shattering the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.
Chu Yueyuan looked up at the newcomer, and the aura that had been building up in her chest instantly became chaotic. A sharp sound from the flute suddenly exploded, breaking the silence and piercing her eardrums.
"Pei Qing, you...why are you back?"
Chu Yueyuan's dark eyes widened slightly, and she froze in surprise. Zheng Lu, on the other hand, was intimidated by the man's terrifying aura and dared not move, his face pale.
Pei Muwei stared coldly at the intimate couple, his phoenix eyes turning crimson with anger, his jawline taut, and his thin lips parted, each word sharp as ice:
"It seems that I have returned at an inopportune time."
———
The reeds are green and lush, the white dew is like frost; the one I long for is on the other side of the water.
During the few days that Pei Muwei was separated from the Empress Dowager, he finally understood what longing for a woman like a reed in the water meant. He rushed back to Linchao City day and night, changed out of his travel-worn clothes, took a bath and changed clothes. His heart was burning like fire, and he only wanted to see that gentle and tender woman to extinguish his boiling heart.
The women he hadn't seen for many days were not only gentle and tender, but also charming and alluring. He was surrounded by women on both sides, enjoying himself immensely.
The fire in Pei Muwei's heart not only did not go out, but was instead fueled by a spoonful of oil, igniting a raging inferno.
Chu Yueyuan snapped out of her surprise.
The man before them had clearly rushed back without stopping. Although he had changed into a brocade robe embroidered with pine, bamboo, and clouds, along with blue boots and a jade crown, and his appearance was dignified, his slightly narrowed eyes were bloodshot, revealing a deep weariness and...killing intent.
No one knows how many Canglang people he has killed on this trip. The scent of cedarwood on his body cannot suppress the bloodlust emanating from him. He is like a sharp blade, ready to splatter blood when drawn. Yet, his appearance is voluptuous, and beneath the bloodlust lies a handsome and wicked charm.
Chu Yueyuan couldn't help but feel worried for Zheng Yin and Zheng Lü's lives. She quickly stepped forward and asked with concern, "I heard from Commander Lin that the Princess was injured. Is Minister Pei injured?"
"While you were away, I couldn't eat or sleep, I was so worried about you. Thankfully you've returned safely. Let me take a good look at you..."
As she spoke, she took Pei Muwei's hand and led him into the house, looking exactly like a lustful and tyrannical ruler, while secretly glancing at Jin Tong.
Jin Tong helped escort the still-shaken Zheng Yin and Zheng Lü out of the Yi Xiantai.
After dismissing the servants in the room, Chu Yueyuan prepared to reward the meritorious official with a cup of tea. However, the man not only refused to let go, but also pulled her into his arms, which were filled with the faint scent of soap.
Pei Muwei wrapped one arm around the Empress Dowager's slender waist, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face. The more intense his gaze, the colder his tone: "With no one else around, Your Highness can put away that pretense of affection."
Yes, without others around, treacherous officials and villains reveal their true colors.
Chu Yueyuan vaguely felt that the man had changed somewhat since his return. Perhaps he had gotten closer to power and had become somewhat aggressive.
She did not struggle, letting him embrace her in a manner that was not proper. She simply raised her eyes, her dark eyes shimmering with tears, and said earnestly, "I truly care about Pei Qing's safety. I ask Commander Lin about you every day, to the point that he avoids me whenever he sees me."
The woman's gentle voice was like a spring breeze, blowing away the resentment lingering in her heart.
However, she added, "Minister Pei promised before that he would protect me and the Emperor, so of course I look forward to your safe return."
As soon as Chu Yueyuan finished speaking, she felt the arm around her waist suddenly tighten, pressing her tightly against him.
"Pei Qing, you... you hurt me."
Pei Muwei closed his eyes wearily, not wanting the woman to see the savage rage in his eyes, nor wanting to hear the truth uttered from her cherry-like mouth again, for fear that he would be unable to resist strangling this heartless woman.
His chin rested in the woman's fragrant neck, his deep voice tinged with weariness: "Your Highness smells wonderful."
The man had just finished showering, and his hair was still damp. When he lowered his head, the slightly damp strands of hair brushed against Chu Yueyuan's cheek. His voice was hoarse and low, and he appeared unusually weak.
It's like a celestial being descending from the moon, no longer daunting, but inspiring a desire to get closer.
Chu Yueyuan's hand, which was halfway raised, hovered in the air, slowly clenched and then fell back down.
"Then, Pei Qing, you may... smell it."
She didn't know how many horses Pei Muwei had changed along the way, nor did she know how many days he hadn't slept. In any case, once he closed his eyes, he slept for a full four hours.
At noon, Jin Tong pushed open the door and entered, carrying a carved ivory food box.
Chu Yueyuan sat under the lamp looking at the sheet music. She wore a sunset purple embroidered iris gauze dress, and the inner strapless dress with embroidered grape patterns outlined her slender waist and full hips. The candlelight fell on her fair cheeks, adding a touch of softness to the woman's already shimmering eyes, making her look like a piece of dazzling jade.
Jin Tong was momentarily captivated, and suddenly understood why the Regent had rushed back without stopping.
A beautiful jade is out there, and people might covet it.
Only by possessing a beautiful jade can one find peace of mind.
"Since Xixia doesn't have milk mushrooms, I'll use lilies instead. I've also added glutinous rice, red dates, lotus seeds, and longan to the porridge, but the taste is not as good as the authentic five-flavor porridge."
Chu Yueyuan opened the food box, glanced at it, her eyes smiling, and said softly, "It smells delicious. You should go and rest."
After Jin Tong left, she took out the Jade Screen Flute and studied the fingering on the score while practicing. Before she knew it, a thick layer of candle wax had accumulated on the lotus lamp stand, making the room even dimmer.
Chu Yueyuan stared at the fingering on the sheet music, feeling as if the densely packed words were jumping out of the paper and turning into a row of tadpoles swimming around in front of her, making her eyelids heavy and her head throbbing.
The huanghuali wood lattice door slowly opened, and the silver thread embroidered bamboo pattern on the hem of the robe flowed like moonlight as the man walked. His tall figure, like a silent mountain in a courtyard, completely enveloped the woman who was sleeping soundly on the table.
Pei Muwei lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the musical score held in the little empress dowager's hand. Next to the score, he saw a note in delicate handwriting: "Alas, sparrows do not know the ambition of swans, and geese cannot comprehend the subtle rhythms of music."
He smiled silently, a slight twitch of his thin lips.
The foolish Empress Dowager was not only unfamiliar with music, but also clueless about matters of the heart.
It's alright, he'll teach her slowly.
His long fingers touched her soft, pink cheeks, gently caressing them, causing the sleeping woman to furrow her brows slightly and try to escape, only to fall into an embrace filled with the scent of sandalwood.
The next morning, the weather was fine and sunny.
When Chu Yueyuan woke up, she looked at the bright purple grape-patterned gauze curtain hanging above her head and felt as if a familiar atmosphere had appeared in the room.
Without even guessing, one could tell who had carried her to bed last night.
Pressing her fingers against the acupoints on her throbbing head, she staggered into the warm pavilion. Seeing that the chaise lounge was empty, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the regent left in advance, saving the two from the awkwardness of staring at each other.
The ivory food box on the table was open, and all the food inside was gone. Chu Yueyuan was about to turn over and take a nap when her gaze inadvertently swept over the unfolded sheet music and suddenly fixed on it.
She took a few steps forward, picked up the sheet music and examined it carefully, her dark eyes gradually widening.
Underneath the notes she had casually made last night were a few words written in a flamboyant style: "The chirping of geese is even more beautiful than the sounds of immortals."
Chu Yueyuan was so angry that she couldn't sleep at all. What did that scoundrel Pei mean? Was he mocking her flute playing as unpleasant as the chirping of geese?
A treacherous minister is still a treacherous minister. If she had known this would happen, she should have had Jin Tong replace the mushrooms in the Five Flavors Porridge with croton seeds, so that he would be like a dragon purging the five grains and sitting in a stinking latrine.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com